Led by Doug Martin, who turns 30 years old in January, the Raiders need vast improvements to their run game. And with one of their two later selections in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, or at the top of the second round, there may be a solution.
The Raiders' scouts and front office should have a wide range of eyes watching the Alamo Bowl on Friday as Iowa State plays Washington State. Watch the show Cyclones running back David Montgomery could put on.
David Montgomery, RB
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Montgomery is a joy to watch carry the rock. Listed at 5-foot-11 and 219 pounds, he has ideal size and the perfect attitude of a runner who refuses to go down.
There's been nobody better at breaking tackles the last two years in college football than Montgomery. In fact, he holds the single-season record for combined missed tackles forced on carries plus receptions by a college or NFL player with 109 as a sophomore in 2017, according to Pro Football Focus.
This year he was named Pro Football Focus' toughest running back to tackle. He could have broke his own record if he wasn't suspended for a game for a fight he was involved in against Baylor and one of ISU's games being cancelled.
Through 11 games as a junior, Montgomery has rushed for 1,092 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per carry. The last two years, Montgomery has rushed for 2,238 yards and 23 touchdowns. He's also added another 398 receiving yards on 54 catches.
Martin's 623 yards rushing lead the Raiders going into Sunday's season finale. They rank 26th in total rushing yards (1,501), 27th in rushing touchdowns (9), and 26th in rushing yards per game (100.1).
The Raiders need an answer at running back and Montgomery could be the man they turn to.
Here’s how Raiders fans can watch Iowa State play Washington State in the Alamo Bowl:
When: Friday, Dec. 28, at 6:00 p.m. PT
TV Channel: ESPN
Live Stream: Watch ESPN